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Betagan
Betagan is a type of eye drop used to treat high eye pressure or chronic open angle glaucoma. This medication is only available by prescription and is typically used in the affected eye(s) once or twice a day. Although most people tolerate it well, side effects are possible and may include burning, stinging, or inflammation of the lining of the eye and eyelid.
Betagan® (levobunolol hydrochloride) is a prescription eye drop approved to lower eye pressure in people with chronic open angle glaucoma or high eye pressure (ocular hypertension).
(Click Betagan Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
Brand-name Betagan is manufactured by Allergan, Inc.
Betagan belongs to a group of drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents, more often known as beta blockers. As the name implies, these medications block beta receptors in the body. Beta receptors are located in a number of places within the body, including the eyes. Beta blockers lower the pressure in the eye by decreasing the amount of fluid produced by the eye (known as aqueous humor).
Some general considerations include the following:
- This medication comes in the form of an eye drop. It is used in the affected eye(s) once or twice a day.
- In order to prevent contamination of the drops, do not touch the tip of the dropper to any surface, including the surface of the eye.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as directed.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD